Fallen Officer’s honored May 16

HOUSTON – Chickasaw County native and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood will speak at the Mississippi Fallen Officers Memorial Service set for May 16 at Fair Park in Tupelo.

The service is held at different locations and this marks the 15th year for the ceremony that will see all 98 names of fallen law enforcement officers read at the event.

“These men and women served us in life and we need to remember them” said John Harmon, event coordinator. “We always urge the families of fallen officers to attend and we certainly want the public to attend this event.”

Harmon saw his son, a Tupelo jailer, killed while on duty a number of years ago. He said the annual memorial service is his way of visiting with his son and remembering his life and service to the community.

“I’ve been in law enforcement since 1976, served under two sheriff’s and as coroner was named sheriff when two of them died in office,” said Harmon. “The work is demanding and dangerous and everyone who pins on a badge knows it can take your life.”

Harmon said the May 16 ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. with an honor guard presenting a wreath in the shape of a gold star. He said this will be followed by the raising of the American Flag, the National Anthem, and then Hood will speak.

Following the roll call of fallen officers, Taps will be played, Amazing Grace will be played on the bagpipes and then a 21-gun salute.

Harmon pointed out two new names will be added to the Mississippi Fallen Officers Memorial list this year.

“We will wrap up the evening with a release of blue balloons as the sun goes down,” said Harmon.